Publications (4)0.65 Total impact

[Show abstract][Hide abstract]ABSTRACT:
Gender issues are extensively explored in schizophrenia. A mounting body of research evidence suggests that there are gender differences in the age at onset, duration of untreated psychosis and presented psychopathology. In recent years, in order to obtain neurophysiologic explanation for the disturbed behavior and thinking in schizophrenia, numerous studies have been performed focusing on the QEEG parameters. However, the results were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in some clinical and QEEG parameters in schizophrenia patients.
Thirty schizophrenia patients were enrolled in the study (M/F ratio 13/17; mean age 34 years). The QEEG parameters which were analyzed were amplitude, mean frequency and relative power of the main bands of the basic activity. Clinical assessment was performed using the PANSS, BPRS and CGI scales.
QEEG parameters demonstrating statistically significant difference were amplitude and relative power in beta activity and lower mean theta frequency over left frontal, temporal and parietal regions in female patients who also had statistically significant differences in PANSS and BPRS scores.
Differences in amplitude and relative power in the beta bands in female schizophrenic patients are associated with more severe actual psychopathology. Considering the relatively small sample, the current results must be replicated with a larger group of drug-free patients to confirm the findings.

[Show abstract][Hide abstract]ABSTRACT:
The sleep-related problems of shift workers usually occur as transient phenomena related to the timing of work. Sleep disorders, related to sleep deprivation, have a major impact on the quality of life and health status of healthcare workers. Reduced quantity and quality of sleep negatively affects the activities of shift workers, particularly in terms of their social functioning, quality of life and health. However, it seems that health authorities and the medical staff are negligent when it comes to the negative effects on health caused by work in night shifts. Recently published studies in this field suggest that appropriate public health preventive programs dealing with sleep disorders successfully contribute towards the quality of life of workers.

[Show abstract][Hide abstract]ABSTRACT:
(Full text is available at http://www.manu.edu.mk/prilozi). The aim of the study was to investigate the gender differences in patients with schizophrenia in age of onset, other demographic and clinical characteristics and their relationship with QEEG power spectrum measures. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in the study, 17 female and 13 male, mean age 34 years. Comprehensive assessment of the symptoms of schizophrenia was performed using PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) and CGI (Clinical Global Impression) scale. The age of onset of schizophrenia and the duration of psychosis was assessed using the medical history and parts of the IRAOS (Interview for Retrospective Assessment of Onset of Schizophrenia). Results: Female patients had more severe psychopathology with statistically significant differences in PANSS and BPRS scores (larger total scores) and on the positive subscale of PANSS. QEEG power spectrum showed statistical significant difference only for the beta band in female patients. Women were less employed and had longer duration of illness and previous treatment. There were no differences in the mean age of onset of the disease (26 years in male and 25 years in female patients) and in the familiar occurrence. Conclusion: Fast basic activity in beta bands was associated with female patients with schizophrenia who presented more severe psychopathology and had longer duration of the disease and previous treatment. Considering the relatively small sample the current results must be replicated with a larger group of subjects to confirm the findings. Key words: schizophrenia, gender, QEEG, PANSS.

[Show abstract][Hide abstract]ABSTRACT:
(Full text is available at http://www.manu.edu.mk/prilozi). Aim of the paper: To monitor personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia and to find out the difference regarding sociodemographic characteristics and out-patient or day hospital treatment. Material and methods: The investigation included 120 subjects divided into two groups of 60 patients each with a diagnosis F20 according to MKD 10 criteria. Patients from the first group received out-patient care whereas those from the second group had day hospital treatment. Patients were of different age and gender, receiving regular antipsychotic therapy. They were included in individual and group psychosocial therapeutic procedures during the day hospital treatment. The investigation utilized the following diagnostic instruments: standardized clinical interview and PSP scale, Personal and social performance scale, Morosini, Magliano et al. 2000, and a non-standardized questionnaire of sociodemographic data, family support and existence of mental disorder in other family members. Results: The results obtained have shown better personal and social functioning in patients who had family support, in those who are employed, in those with no mental disorder in other family members and in patients on day hospital treatment as opposed to patients receiving out-patient care. Conclusion: Day hospital psychosocial therapeutic treatment in combination with regular antipsychotic therapy, family and social support helps in more rapid reintegration and resocialization and a better quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Key words: quality of life, personal and social functioning, schizophrenia.